Author(s)

K. Koppel & A. Oja

Abstract

How to select the most adequate sustainable development index in order to avoid contradictions? K. Koppel & A. Oja Stockholm Environment Institute Tallinn centre, SEI-Tallinn, Estonian Institute for Sustainable Development, Institute of Geography, University of Tartu, Estonia Abstract The article gives an overview of the most widely used sustainability indices. Subsequently we demonstrate that sustainability indices do give varying results. Thirdly, the article attempts to analyse sustainability indices based on Moffatt's et al. [l] hypothesis that these contradicting results are caused by differences in understanding the notion of sustainable development (SD) and values behind them. Finally, we propose guidelines for decision-makers to help them select the index most suitable for their purpose. The goal of this article is to investigate why different sustainable development indices provide contradicting judgments on sustainability and to suggest to decision makers the tool to avoid these con

Keywords